We’re off to HampshireSunday 16 to Wednesday 19 June 2019

Next year’s garden tour will be to Hampshire, departing on Sunday 16 June and returning on Wednesday 19 June. Hampshire prices seem to be somewhat higher than other areas of the country, particularly regarding hotels, and as we all know costs have increased generally since our last garden tour two years ago. However, we have done our best to put together what we consider to be a good value package.

Hampshire offers a wide range of gardens, but those finally chosen for this tour represent a variety of garden styles and sizes, both publicly and privately owned, including a couple of excellent nurseries to satisfy the need to add to your plant collections (subject to space on the coach!). Our first stop will be the stunning 1¼ acre garden at The Coach House, Ampney Crucis, near Cirencester. We will then visit the famous Sir Harold Hillier Arboretum and Nursery at Romsey (opportunity to eat a packed lunch, but there is a café and restaurant on site).

A highlight of the trip will be our visit to the world renowned Longstock Park Water Garden and nearby nursery (owned by the John Lewis Partnership and usually only open for group visits), after first calling at Terstan, Longstock, a lovely one acre garden created over more than 40 years by the owners to provide a garden full of interest, ideas and inspiration.

We will also be visiting Mottisfont Abbey, near Romsey where the wonderful walled rose garden will be at its peak, and the excellently designed and dramatic West Green House & Garden at Hartley Wintney (both owned by the National Trust).

Accommodation has been reserved at Chilworth Manor, Southampton. This former Edwardian manor house is a 3-star Best Western hotel located about four miles west of Southampton with easy access to motorways and the rest of Hampshire. The hotel has been inspected and the rooms are of a good standard. The hotel is set in 12 acres of landscaped grounds, and there is also a gym and indoor pool. Based on two people sharing a twin/double room, the cost of the tour is £410 per person*. There is a single room supplement of £60. The price includes three nights’ accommodation, breakfast and evening meal at the hotel, two light lunches, admission to the gardens, coach travel and driver’s gratuity. Refreshments are also included at most of the venues. Please note there may be some minor adjustment to the cost as one or two venues have yet to fix their 2019 prices.

To book your place, please complete and return the booking form and return to me with your deposit cheque for £80 per person. The balance will be due by 31 March 2019, after which a detailed itinerary will be issued. Bookings will be acknowledged by email, where possible, and updated lists of participants will be posted on the notice board at meetings. If you have any queries at all, please contact either myself by email or on 01905 616666, or Lyn Maile, tel. 01905 820267.

Travel insurance is not included and members are strongly advised to make appropriate arrangements.

Please note that non-member spouses, friends and relatives are welcome, but in the event of the tour being over-subscribed priority will be given to Group and HPS members.